Strong and capable political leaders and politicians are a must for any country to move forward and make progress. This issue is universal to one and all.

If an administration takes and adopt sensible policies for the citizens general good, then this administration will be adequately rewarded in the General Elections.

Since Independence and becoming a Republic, our islands have moved forward tremendously, merit to one and all. I believe that more good progress and the social way of life and living have progressed tremendously in our beloved islands.

Social service, health and the well being of the general public have made tremendous headway, thus our citizens rightly expect and demand continuing improvement in their quality of life.

My political party, the Labour Party, has done wonders in almost all fields of our society, unfortunately mistakes have been made, which if not corrected will lead to a major loss of its support.

Sadly for a number of years the Nationalist Party has been more destructive in its criticism without putting forward plausible alternatives to Government policies.

Internal strife has damaged their party from within which, is a great pity as it made valid contributions in many areas in the past.

Current Polls

Sadly, recent polls do not show an optimistic view towards either political party, even though the Labour Party has made many valid contributions to one and all. Unfortunately Labour has also made several mistakes which, if not ratified will most certainly damage it in the future.

What I deem positively relevant steps taken by Labour were the steps taken to adjust pensions which had been static for several years. Women were also given the opportunity to go to work when free child care centres were introduced. Women receiving social assistance were still given this even after starting work. This helped so many women to enter the workforce.

The Covid situation was also very well handled and now the subsidies on the general energy tariffs. And so many other issues that are too numerous to list here.

Critical Issues

In my view, some of the critical issues which are really alienating the general public are as follows:

1) The destruction of our countryside and villages by the excessive building, with permits galore being issued. It appears that the construction magnates are now the real masters. Permits are being issued like cheesecakes with no regard to the general health and well being or living conditions of the rest of the population.

2) The cost of living and upping of the prices of all Items in shops – grocers – bars – restaurants and most importantly RENTS and PROPERTY PRICES, which is putting these all out of reach of the normal living wages of our workers.

3) Another issue is the dis-proportionality in wages for those workers engaged by supposed “Agencies” which are making huge financial profits from exploiting these workers. This issue is totally at odds with what Labour did in 1971 with Dom Mintoff’s “Equal Pay for Equal Work.”

So I, coming from both the General Workers Union and as a Former Labour Member of Parliament cannot support these gross discriminations.

Lastly – Two Bad Decisions

I am one who believe that a woman’s health should be the priority in the well being of women. When I was young we were taught that priority should be given to the child as the mother would have lived her life whilst the child is just starting his/her life. But nobody said or explained who will then take care of the rest of the family.

So yes, I supported the first proposal to which very sadly my party made a retreat.

Another gross miscalculation was the issue of the general sentiment of sorrow for a grieving mother’s cry for justice for her lost child. The Government may have been right in its assessment that a magisterial inquiry was the right and proper decision, but the general public feeling for a grieving mother was so powerful that that it should have been taken into account.

Sadly this was done much too late after the damage of bad publicity had badly affected the government.

Conclusion

As a staunch Labourite, I am writing this article for those who hold the reins to take note, especially if one considers the latest polls which reflect the current feelings of the general public towards them.

It is never too late to adjust, learn and adopt to what the general public is saying.

Finally, please stop the excessive use/exploitation of foreign workers who continue to be brought in to suit certain business people, who then laughably complain about the over-population of our islands.

Lino DeBono.

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